During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the hiring process for a new department head, specifically the director of facilities. Commissioner White expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and communication surrounding the hiring process, emphasizing the need for the entire board to be informed and involved in such critical decisions. He highlighted that the current process, which relies heavily on a personnel committee, undermines democratic principles and leaves board members without adequate information to justify their votes to constituents.

White pointed out that the position comes with a substantial salary of over $100,000, and he questioned the qualifications of the selected candidate, Brooke Lessard, whom he admitted to knowing little about. He called for a reevaluation of the hiring process to ensure that all board members have access to applicant information and can participate meaningfully in the decision-making.

Commissioner Stewart echoed these sentiments, suggesting that even simple updates about the hiring process would foster better communication among board members. He noted that while he was aware of the candidates, he lacked detailed information about their qualifications and the selection process.

In response, the county administrator defended the existing process, explaining that it follows established protocols and complies with open meeting laws. The administrator acknowledged that while the process may seem opaque, it is designed to protect applicant confidentiality and ensure that hiring decisions are made by qualified personnel.

The discussion highlighted a broader issue of governance and accountability within the board, with several commissioners advocating for a more inclusive approach to hiring that respects both the responsibilities of the personnel committee and the need for transparency among all board members.

In addition to the hiring discussion, the meeting also covered updates from the highway department, including the authorization to sell obsolete vehicles and a successful internship program for high school students, which received positive feedback for its impact on youth engagement in local government and engineering careers. The meeting concluded with plans to address the hiring process further in the upcoming personnel committee meeting.